Explore and book Holland America Line 11 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise on the Oosterdam departing from Piraeus (Athens), Greece on Oct 20, 2024 and ending in Marseille, France on Oct 31, 2024 Sail to Sarande, Albania, Barcelona, Spain, Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Katakolon (Olympia), Greece, Valletta, Malta, Taormina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Marseille, France

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Piraeus (athens), Greece Boarding Time To Be Assigned Visa Req For Some

Visit the Acropolis
Walk through Plaka
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

Katakolon (olympia), Greece Visa Req For Some

Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

A gateway to Ancient Olympia, Katakolon in Greece is a destination for those passionate about classical history. Its quaint harbor and Mediterranean charm make it a delightful stopover.

Sarande, Albania Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Sarande, Albania

Nestled on the Albanian Riviera, Sarande is a mix of ancient ruins and modern resorts. With the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint nearby, history and beauty combine seamlessly in this Mediterranean haven.

Valletta, Malta

See All of Malta’s Highlights in a Single Day
See Malta’s Top 10 Sights
Take a Jeep Safari for a Half a Day
See 3 Breathtaking Historic Sites
Go Underground at the Catacombs
Indulge in Luxury at Palaces of Malta’s Nobility
Hop a Ride on a Dghajsa Boat
Take a Relaxed Tour of Valletta
Gaze at Malta from the Water

Taormina, Italy Tender Required Wheelchair Access Limited Visa Req For Some

Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Perched on the eastern coast of Sicily, Taormina offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. With its Greco-Roman theater, bustling main street, and Sicilian cuisine, it's a highlight of Mediterranean cruises.

Cruising Strait Of Messina (cruising Only)

Naples (pompeii/amalfi), Italy Visa Req For Some

Naples, Italy

The gateway to Italy's Amalfi Coast, Naples delights with its historic sites, world-renowned cuisine, and proximity to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. It embodies the spirit and flavors of Southern Italy.

Civitavecchia (rome), Italy Visa Req For Some

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

This Italian seaport town is the essential gateway to the wonders of Rome, with excellent transportation links to the capital. While many will head straight to the Eternal City, Civitavecchia itself has charms to offer, including the Forte Michelangelo, the Terme Taurine (the ruins of Roman thermal baths), and a quaint historic center. Whether you're embarking on a Mediterranean exploration or returning from the marvels of Italy, Civitavecchia is a starting point that promises the romance and history of the country within easy reach.

Ajaccio, Corsica, France Visa Req For Some

Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, Ajaccio radiates Corsican culture and history. With its old-world charm, sandy beaches, and lively markets, the city provides a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. Cruising to Ajaccio ensures a memorable Mediterranean experience.

Scenic Cruising Bonifacio Strait (cruising Only)

Marseille, France

See the City Essentials
Taste Cheeses and Wines
Get Next to an Ancient Roman Aqueduct
Enjoy a French Lunch
See the Home Town of Nostradamus
Learn About Lavender
Catch a Fishing Village
Visit a Winery
Get the Best of Two Worlds
Familiarize Yourself with a French Fort
Revitalize Yourself at a 21st Century Park

Barcelona, Spain

Visit La Sagrada Família
Experience Park Güell
Relax on La Barceloneta Beach
Explore the Gothic Quarter
Tour the Cathedral of Barcelona
Take a Walk Down Las Ramblas
Discover Delicious Treats at La Boqueria
Tour One of the Largest Museums Dedicated to Picasso
See the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
Stop by Casa Batlló
Enjoy a Game at a Famous Soccer Stadium
Climb Mount Tibidabo
Get Lost in Parc del Laberint d’Horta
Enjoy a Performance at Palau de la Musica Catalana
Have Fun Shopping at Mercat de Santa Caterina

11 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise

Iberian Peninsula

Africa

Mediterranean

Europe

Your Holland America Line ship’s Casino offers a wide array of gaming options. Whether you prefer slot machines or want to try your hand at blackjack or poker, our dealers and staff are available to provide complimentary instruction — and we offer many engaging tournament options. The Casino is only open at sea.

Casino Action

Unleash your competitive spirit at High Score!, our new family game room — on Oosterdam. By day, it’s a secret hideaway for kids and teens, where they can engage in a fast-paced flurry of four-person air hockey or contend for bragging rights in the video arcade. At night, the entire family is welcome to bond over board games, skee-ball, a tilting labyrinth and family activities.

High Score!

Explorations Central™ (EXC®), Holland America Line’s exclusive destination programming, is designed to deepen your understanding of the places you visit. Its indispensable travel resources and opportunities to engage with experts and local insiders, make exploring each port of call more vivid and meaningful. Enjoy the programs listed below and visit our Explorations Central discovery center on board. *

Explorations Central

Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

Onboard Shopping

Enjoy a game of pickleball on top-deck courts with stunning ocean views. Play casually anytime or join a tournament, with beginner lessons available for newcomers. Complimentary equipment provided, weather permitting.



Pickleball At Sea

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges onboard. The panoramic view takes center stage in The Crow's Nest at the top of the ship, where you can relax just about any time of day and enjoy your favorite drink.

Crow's Nest

Direct from Beale Street, B.B. King's All Stars bring the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, enjoy dancing and try specialty cocktails like the Lucille and Rock Me Baby.

B.B. Kings Blues Club

The Explorer’s Lounge is an elegant and refined space to enjoy a glass of wine, a cocktail, or your favorite liqueur.

Explorer's Lounge

Enjoy live music in this popular bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

Ocean Bar

This sophisticated venue is adorned with an eclectic and whimsical mix of artwork including portraits, landscapes, still life and abstract pieces. Order your favorite cocktail or try one from our signature cocktail menu created in partnership with our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff, a James Beard “Who’s Who” inductee.

Gallery Bar

Feel the rhythm at the Rolling Stone Lounge, where a live band delivers rock, pop, and country hits every night. Grab a drink and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening of music and energy.



Rolling Stone Lounge

Unwind at Pinnacle Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines set the tone for a sophisticated evening. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink before heading to Pinnacle Grill.



Pinnacle Bar

Sip on a cool cocktail while basking in the sun and savoring stunning ocean views from the deck lounge chairs. A laid-back vibe with unbeatable scenery.



Sea View Bar

In Italy, there’s nothing more important than coming together to celebrate the joy of great food. This is the inspiration for our onboard Italian restaurant, Canaletto. Enjoy amazing Italian classics like braised chicken cacciatore al forno, branzino ai ferri or garlic shrimp ravioli. And for dessert: tiramisù, cannoli alla Siciliana, gelato, and more. Including pasta made fresh daily. Buon Appetito!

Canaletto

Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce. Savor a succulent Nathan’s Famous gourmet hot dog with golden French fries. Or choose a grilled chicken breast sandwich or juicy portabella mushroom stack. Dive-In is the perfect spot to dine poolside on the best burgers at sea.

Dive-In

At Explorations Café, relax in a comfortable, coffee house environment where you can browse through one of the most extensive libraries at sea, view a wide array of audio and video programming, or simply read the morning paper. Guests can also enjoy fresh pastries and their favorite espresso drink.

Explorations Cafe

Explore a world of intriguing culinary possibilities in the Lido Market. Steps from the Lido pool, this modern marketplace includes a curated selection of delicious options that you can grab on the go or have made to order: Breadboard, with freshly baked breads and pastries; Wild Harvest, offering a bountiful selection of hearty salads; Homestead, serving up comfort classics; Distant Lands, featuring global cuisine; Sweet Spot, for ice cream creations and desserts; Roasting Pan, hand-carved meats, fish and other hearty entrees; Perk, freshly brewed beverages and chilled juices; Quench, premium coffee, beer, wine, and soda available for purchase; Rise, savory quiches, croissants and sandwiches, and more.

Lido Market

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate steakhouse at sea, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of finest meals you’ll ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet-aged USDA Prime steaks — meticulously chosen to guarantee the finest quality — as well as classic steakhouse dishes and innovative recipes from James Beard Award-winning chef and Culinary Council® member, David Burke. Every dish is exquisitely prepared, beautifully plated and complemented by a vast collection of award-winning wines. Here, your meal is an event unto itself, a celebration of fine dining and a triumph of flavor.

Pinaccle Grill

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs,  and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.

The Dining Room

We have partnered with BBC Earth to bring you unforgettable new ways to experience the world's natural wonders. Through the innovative and breathtaking programming, guests will be taken closer to the ocean and the natural world through groundbreaking concerts and films.

BBC Earth in Concert

In an exclusive partnership with the world’s leading center for the performing arts, we proudly present Lincoln Center Stage, showcasing outstanding musicians performing multiple programs of chamber music most evenings, as well as afternoon recitals during leisurely days at sea.

Lincoln Center Stage

2 pianos - 60 Years of Chart Toppers - 100s Of Songs.  Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night.

Billboard on Board

Experience world-class entertainment at World Stage, featuring captivating lectures by local experts and thrilling performances from top acts like Step One Dance Company and Cantaré. On select ships, a two-story LED screen enhances the immersive experience.

World Stage

Holland America Line's youth activities program, Club HAL, offers an array of entertaining events for kids and teens ages 3-17, supervised by a full-time, professionally trained staff. They'll have an opportunity to join other kids their age for arts and crafts, sports, video game competitions, scavenger hunts, challenging team games and themed parties.

Club Hal

From ice-cream eating contests to gaming tournaments and theme parties, tweens will have plenty to enjoy.

Tweens Programs (Ages 7-12)

Highlights for kids ages 3 to 6 include “Painting Picassos,” and “Sing-Along Storytime,” as well as theme parties, such as “Dino-Mite Night” and “Ships Ahoy Pirate Treasure Hunt Adventure.”

Kids Programs (Ages 3-6)

Teen cruisers enjoy mocktail parties, karaoke and trivia contests, jewelry making, video games, staff vs. teens volleyball tournaments, themed events and more.

Teens Programs (Ages 13-17)

Children with special needs are invited to attend Club HAL activities based on their chronological age; our staff is trained to work with special needs children. Please let us know when booking your reservation.

Special Needs

Club HAL activities are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on port days. Lunch is available for participants between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children must be registered and signed into and out of programming by a parent or guardian.

Port Day Activities

During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Greenhouse Spa & Salon

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Some classes may have a nominal fee.

Fitness

Oosterdam, a Vista-class ship, recently emerged from dry dock with exciting updates—including completely refreshed suites and new lounge, dining and entertainment venues, such as Music Walk™, with Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club and Billboard Onboard. Guests can choose from among delectable specialty restaurants, hone culinary skills with EXC Port to Table and thrill to BBC Earth Experiences.

For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. Behind the scenes, our Culinary Council,® an elite team of seven world-renowned chefs, and our talented onboard executive chefs have worked to bring each dish to perfection. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Enrich your journey with an extensive selection of wines, carefully selected by our Wine Curator, world-renowned wine critic James Suckling.

B.B. King's Blues Club

Watch music shows and other entertainment like you never have before at World Stage. Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level with a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen. A perfect panorama of sight and sound.

Refresh, Relax and Rejuvenate. During a leisurely day at sea, few places help you refresh, relax and rejuvenate like the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. This heavenly retreat nurtures every aspect of your well-being with renowned spa rituals and healing touches. In the spa, pamper your skin with facial treatments featuring premium, naturally sourced ingredients. Nurture your body, too, with massage treatments employing time-honored, hands-on massage techniques gleaned from around the world.

Holland America Line

Oosterdam

Enjoy a get-acquainted tour that introduces the highlights of Barcelona. Your guide will point out many landmarks. At the 13th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross & Saint Eulalia, located in the Gothic Quarter, you'll step inside to admire the interior.

This bike ride offers a different way to discover Barcelona's squares, monuments, beaches and people, in a city that has more than 60 miles of bicycle lanes and an extensive pedestrian-only Old Town

Head to the famous promenade of La Rambla to visit the La Boqueria and Santa Caterina markets. The original Boqueria building plan dates back to 1217, when the main selling activity was a street market for meat, vegetables and fruits. You can still see the original building, with its metal roof, built by Mas Vilà in the city's popular Modernist style. Today's structure was officially inaugurated in 1853.

Visitors to Barcelona discover a city of charming streetscapes, sidewalk cafés and squares bustling with people. It is full of life. This amazing city also features the world's largest collection of Modernist architecture among its many buildings and churches.

An exciting performance of Spanish Flamenco dance showcases an artform that originated in Andalusia and is comprised of three elements -- the song (el cante), the dance (el baile) and the guitar (el toque). Among the gypsies of Andalusia it was used as an expression of poverty, oppression and personal grief. Over time, Flamenco has also become a means of expressing happiness as it incorporates elements of Spanish music in lighter forms (alegrias, bulerias, fandangos).

Barcelona's modernist architecture, conceived and executed by architect Antonio Gaudí, has ensured Barcelona's place in the world today, on the map, and heading in the future. This tour offers an insight view to the modernism as its best.

Ride by coach to the Montserrat Mountain Ridge, six miles long, three miles wide and 4,050 feet tall. The irregular peaks of Catalonia's most famous mountain are visible from miles around. Montserrat is a cultural, religious and natural landmark. Legend says that shepherds found a statue of a black Virgin Mary on Montserrat. When they tried to move her, the cart got stuck, which they took as a sign to she should stay on the mountain. So this peculiar mountain range is now the site of the monastery where people come to worship La Moreneta -- the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia.

In the Eternal City, a panoramic drive takes you through the lovely Borghese Gardens and along Via Veneto -- Rome's famous, elegant and outrageously expensive shopping street. A slice of Roman life takes place among the fashionable sidewalk cafés, luxury shops and up-market hotels here.

Drive to the heart of Rome, passing St Paul's Basilica, the Pyramid of Caius Cestius, Circus Maximus and stopping at the Trevi Fountain.

In the Eternal City, enter the vast expanse of St Peter's Square through Bernini's Colonnade, and step into Christendom's largest church, St Peter's Basilica. In the apse is the splendid gilt and bronze throne, also designed by Bernini. Take time to see the Pietà, Michelangelo's masterpiece in white marble.

Begin your tour with a drive to Tarquinia, founded in the 7th century BC, and now known as a magnificent Etruscan burial ground. You will see the Palazzo Vitelleschi -- an excellent example of early Renaissance architecture, whose Archeological Museum houses the remains of the mysterious Etruscan population. Visit the necropolis, containing thousands of tombs dating from the 6th to the 1st century BC, many of which have not yet been explored.

In Rome you will visit the Catacombs, a curious underground maze of tunnels where the early Christians were buried. This is essentially a vast underground cemetery -- a series of subterranean passageways that form real labyrinths that are several miles long.

Meet your coach nearby and head for the beautiful Palazzo Brancaccio -- the last Roman patrician palace built in 1880 in the heart of the Eternal City. It stands on Colle Oppio, the ancient Roman hill near Emperor Nero's Domus Aurea, between the Colosseum and the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Its grounds are a beautiful old park surrounding the Roman ruins, with centuries-old plants and fountains, pine trees, palms and laurels. Here you can admire the small but charming Hunting Lodge, full of rich decorations. Inside the palace you'll find enchanting banquet rooms where Princess Cruises Mary Elisabeth Brancaccio gave sumptuous parties. Roman Holiday was filmed inside the halls of the Palazzo Brancaccio.

As you step back 2,000 years into the past at the sanctuary of Olympia, picture the area crowded with athletes, orators, merchants, and philosophers. At the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it's easy to imagine the roar of the spectators as the athletes took their marks on the marble starting blocks, and to picture the temples, treasuries, porticoes, and statues of the day. The scene was dominated by the Temple of Zeus, with its 40-foot statue of the god, the ruins of which you will see today.

The park-like grounds of the sanctuary of Olympia will take you back 2,000 years to a time when this very area was crowded with athletes, orators, merchants and philosophers. The backdrop was the Temple of Zeus -- famous for its forty-foot statue of the god himself, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple lies in ruins today. As you explore, it is quite easy to imagine the roar of the spectators as the athletes pitted their own abilities against those of worthy rivals. With some help from your guide, the remains of temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues help to bring the site to life.

At Ancient Olympia, 25 miles east of the small fishing village of Katákolon, you will step back 2,000 years into the past, to the days of the original Olympic games. Imagine the area crowded with athletes, orators, merchants and philosophers. Picture the Temple of Zeus and its forty-foot statue of the god, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins of the temple are still visible today. Deep in the past lies the roar of the spectators as the athletes took their marks on the marble starting blocks that are still in place. Spectators looked on, surrounded by temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues that today are reduced to ruins.

Two thousand years ago, Olympia was the birthplace of a sporting tradition that, millennia later, has found its renaissance in the modern Olympics. The very first Olympic games were held right here, and as you visit Olympia today you can almost hear the roar of the spectators, cheering on the athletes as they took their marks on the marble starting blocks. Temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues, as well as the Temple of Zeus with its forty-foot statue of the god, all stood here.

Two thousand years ago, Olympia was the birthplace of a sporting tradition that, millennia later, has found its renaissance in the modern Olympics. The very first Olympic games were held right here and, as you visit Olympia today you can almost hear the roar of the spectators, cheering on the athletes as they took their marks on the marble starting blocks. Temples, treasuries, porticoes and statues all stood here, including the Temple of Zeus with its the 40-foot-tall statue of the god. The Temple of Zeus at Olympia was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.

A panoramic drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery brings you to the fourth-generation, family-owned and -operated Magna Grecia Farm. Focusing on small-scale farming, the family prides itself in maintaining great agricultural traditions. Magna Grecia Farm sprawls across the heart the agricultural region of Olympia. You'll visit the olive grove, learn the history of the olive tree, and taste the peppery olives produced on the property. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals, as well.

One hundred acres of vineyard, set in a beautiful and verdant valley in the Olympia region, enjoy a special, moderate microclimate. This is where you'll find the Olympia Gi Winery, known for its magnificent location. Tour the vineyards and learn about the different varieties and cultivation methods inspired by the traditions of the ancient Greeks. This modern family-run winery produces quality vintages. Take in the beauty and charm of the vineyards while enjoying a taste of Olympia Gi wine.

Ancient Butrint was an important Greco-Roman port city, and is now an impressive and ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site with a large salt-lake nearby. Inhabited continuously from the 7th century BC, until it was abandoned in the 18th century, Butrint features impressive walls reminiscent of ancient Mycenae. However, most of the noteworthy excavated remains are early Greek and Roman, including the circular baptistery from the 6th century AD, paved with fine mosaics.

Discover the serene and traditional villages of South Albania, set along a coastline of stunning views and strategic importance. You are headed to Himara, but along the way there is plenty to see. You will pass through the territory of the largest Naval base in Albania. Not surprisingly, during the communist era, this region was closed to visitors.

Ksamil Beach is a local favorite and offers you two-plus hours to simply relax and soak up the sun, take a leisurely walk along the soft white sand, or swim in the inviting sea.

Set out on a panoramic drive to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site town on the slopes of the Mali I Gjere hills. Overlooking River Drino, it is one of the most attractive towns in Albania and is nicknamed 'the town of a thousand steps'. Upon arrival in Gjirokastra, visit the Old Fortress built in the 4th century. It is the largest castle in Albania and is situated on the top of a hill offering brilliant views. The National Amory Museum sits at the main entrance, and tells the story Albanian weapons through the ages.

Butrint is the most-visited place in Albania, claiming one of the richest environments in the country in terms of biodiversity. A high number of different natural habitats and landscapes makes it the ideal home to a wide diversity of species. Birds are one of the most interesting and diverse groups of fauna found here. More than 250 bird species are registered, drawing a huge number of birdwatchers to the area.

A scenic drive brings you to Lekuresi Castle. The castle, built in 1537 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, is located on a strategic hill overlooking the town of Saranda. Great views of Corfu and Ksamil islands dominate the landscape. You will stop at the Mesopotamian Monastery, currently under restoration but nonetheless a fascinating attraction. View the exterior and take photos of this fine example of a fortified Byzantine 12th-century monastery.

Taormina, perched 700 feet above the Bay of Naxos, was a famed resort even in Roman times. The poor Romans had to climb the hill, but you can take the elevator from your motor coach to the city gates, where your walking tour begins.

See some of the legendary beauty of Sicily as you visit Mt Etna, driving south on the highway through vineyards, citrus groves, and villages. You will learn that Etna is a very active volcano -- the largest in Europe at 10,723 feet high. It has erupted more than 130 times.

Your journey begins as your driver guide collects you from the quayside for your 4x4 adventure. You'll take a brief motorway drive before making your way up the slopes of mighty Mt Etna. En route. You'll stop to see the vast lava flows and the more recent paths eroded by the 2002 eruptions. The lava has carved its way through hillside forests and bushland, leaving a scar that can be seen from miles around.

For fans of The Godfather movie series, many of the places visited on this tour will seem familiar. Begin with a brief drive along the freeway to Roccalumera. From there, the coastal road, bordered by villas, flowering gardens, and picturesque villages, leads to the historical artist town of Savoca.

See some of Sicily's legendary beauty with this visit to Mt Etna. You'll begin with a drive south, via a highway that leads through a tapestry of vineyards, citrus groves and villages. You will learn that Etna is a very active volcano -- the largest in Europe at 10,723 feet tall. It has erupted more than 130 times. From the flanks of the volcano, take in a panoramic view over the city of Catania. Three hundred years ago, this large city was decimated by an eruption.

Departing from Taormina, you'll board a motorcoach for a panoramic drive along Sicily's mountainous eastern coastline. You're headed to the Crateri Silvestri and Mt Etna. Along the way you'll pass through the villages of Santa Venerina and Zafferana Etnea and enjoy some dramatic coastal views.

Board a coach for the drive southeast to Marsaxlokk fishing village, where startlingly colorful luzzu fishing boats bob about on a dark blue sea. Marsaxlokk Harbour was where the Turks arrived in 1565 at the start of the Great Siege, and where Napoleon and his troops landed in 1798 to end the Knights' rule on the island. Enjoy some free time to have purchase a coffee (at your own expense) and explore this village by the sea.

The Knights of St John came to Malta in 1530 and stayed for 268 years, transforming what they called 'merely a rock of soft sandstone' into a flourishing island with mighty defenses and a capital city coveted by the great powers of Europe. They settled in Vittoriosa, across the harbor from Valletta.

Take the scenic route to Malta's former capital, Mdina, located on a hill with stunning views over the island. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient, walled city with a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. Stroll through the city's narrow streets and let your guide introduce you to Mdina's 4,000 years of history as (s)he provides an orientation to the town itself. From the bastions, enjoy the sweeping views stretching all the way to the coast.

Take the scenic route across the island with a stop to see a glass-blowing demonstration at Malta's crafts village which is located on the site of an abandoned World War II airfield. Mdina, known as the Silent City, is Malta's former capital and is more than 4,000 years old. It is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient, walled city with a mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. Take time to visit the Mdina Cathedral, stroll through the city's streets and breathe in the history.

A Spanish-speaking guide leads this tour (or a guide with a Spanish interpreter). A limited number of Spanish guides and interpreters are available in this port; book early to avoid disappointment. This is not a bilingual tour; please see Malta's Capitals Old & New for the same tour guided in English.

Hypogeum literally means "underground". The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni is the oldest underground temple and necropolis ever discovered. Visiting on your own requires purchasing tickets months in advance but, today, you have a chance to take advantage of pre-reserved tickets to discover what the Hypogeum is all about.

From the pier it's just a short walk to board a traditional Maltese boat called a dghajsa. Once aboard, you will cross the harbor that drew Carthaginians and Swabians, Hapsburgs and Aragonese, Romans and Britons to form the nation that Malta is today.

Begin with a jetfoil ride to the island of Capri, taking in several lovely sights, including Capri Town and Anacapri.

Take a panoramic drive through Naples, after which you'll head to Posillipo Hill, Mergellina, and past the famous Maschio Angioino Castle.Stop at the Piazza Plebiscito to see the outside of the Royal Palace and the San Carlo Opera House. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Head out by motorcoach to the excavated city of Herculaneum -- known to the Italians as Ercolano. The upper class Romans built their beautiful villas and maintained luxurious properties in Herculaneum -- most of them overlooking the sea. Explore on foot with your guide. (S)he will explain how, when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79, hot ash charred or consumed all the wood of the structures in Pompeii (Herculaneum's more famous neighbor). Herculaneum's destruction was the result of a flood of hot mud that buried, sealed and protected entire buildings. This means that today there are still marvelous inlaid marble floors, mosaics, paintings, and carbonized wood exposed to visitors.

Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you'll discover the archeological excavations of a lost city buried deep beneath the ash when Mt Vesuvius violently erupted in AD 79. It was a monumental natural disaster that killed thousands and entombed the city under ash. Explore the grounds on a 90-minute guided walk through the excavated city. Your guide talks about the remarkably-preserved remains that hint at daily life of the Ancient Romans -- their buildings and cuisine, and how they entertained, decorated and lived. Pompeii was a resort town with a forum, amphitheatre, gymnasium, shops and an aqueduct that delivered water for irrigation, fountains and private baths. Elaborately-detailed mosaics and colorful frescoes decorate the interiors of wealthy homeowners' villas.

A German-speaking guide leads this tour (or a guide with a German interpreter). A limited number of German guides and interpreters are available in this port; book early to avoid disappointment. This is not a bilingual tour; please see The Ruins of Pompeii for the same tour guided in English.

Skirting the Bay of Naples, in the shadow of awesome Mt Vesuvius, you will drive to Sorrento -- a village that is brimming with character and overflowing with picturesque street scenes and charming people. Sorrento inspired the Greeks' and Romans' art and industry, and you will find an extraordinary collection of woodwork, mosaics, furniture, embroidery and porcelain here. Browse and shop on your own, making purchases that will become treasured mementos of your voyage.

Bring your appetite and your curiosity for this unforgettable culinary tour of one of the world's most foodie-friendly cities. Even in this dedicated, food-loving nation, no city is more famous for its cuisine than Naples. This is where pizza was invented, and coffee was perfected. Many of the other iconic Italian dishes that America loves started out right here in Naples too. You'll discover some of the city's most distinctive eateries, learn about the local culture, and take in some historic sites along the way on this "multi-tasking" tour that is, in fact, a multi-sensory immersion gourmet experience.

Experience the famous nightlife of Athens with an opportunity to encounter great Greek music, traditional folklore dances, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Start with a leisurely drive through the city en route to Zafiro, a traditional venue with sweeping wrap-around views of the city. This is your chance to get acquainted with Greek culture, eat, dance, enjoy typical Greek music and learn about some aspects of life in the past. This is much more than just food and music -- the Zafiro Experience is an interactive event where guests can participate in every step.

Board a motorcoach for a 30- to 40-minute scenic ride into the heart of Athens. Along the way, your narrated drive will pass a host of major sites, including Hadrian's Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Constitution Square, the former Royal Palace, the National Gardens, the Academy, and the University Library. Ahead, the mighty Acropolis dominates the landscape. Your guided walking tour begins as you climb the 80 steep steps through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis, which extends 150 feet across its western side. From here, the views of the city of Athens below are incredible. Beyond the Propylaea, on the highest point of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, one of the greatest monuments of ancient civilization. Dedicated to the virgin goddess Athena, the white Pentelic marble temple was built 446 - 437 B.C. The Erectheum is situated on the most sacred site of the Acropolis, where Athena and Poseidon are said to have held a contest to decide who would be Patron of the city. Here you will find the graceful Porch of the Caryatids, which features replica columns of marble maidens supporting the roof of the temple. The originals can be seen at the Acropolis Museum.

The ancient agora, or marketplace, in Athens was once an eclectic mix of private housing and public spaces, until it was thoroughly re-organized by Peisistratus in the 6th century BC. As one did in the ancient world, Peisistratus pulled rank and continued to live on the agora, but he wasted no time evicting the other residents turning the area into the epicenter of Athenian government. He also built a drainage system, fountains and a temple to the Olympian gods. Cimon later improved the agora with new buildings, trees, and temples to Hephaestus, Zeus and Apollo. The law courts were located here as well, and ancient custom dictated that when a court case was being heard, any citizen who happened to be passing by could be forced to serve as a juror. The Scythian Archers -- an early version of a mercenary police force -- often wandered through the agora specifically looking for jurors. Needless to say, the area was given a wide berth by those who were at all gainfully employed. Because history repeats itself, during Byzantine times, Athens' agora once again became a residential area and now is one of the city's most visited landmarks.

Visit the famous Corinth Canal, which is four miles long, 70 feet wide and has sloping sides 170 feet in height. It connects the Ionian and Aegean seas to provide a maritime shortcut. Your next stop will be at Ancient Corinth. The ruins that lie in this area are a surprising mix of an ancient 6th-century BC Greek city and a 44 BC Roman city -- the latter was built after Julius Caesar placed a colony on this desolate site. See the ruins and excavations of both, including where the Christian Basilica, the starting lines of a Greek racetrack, a sacred spring with its bronze lion's-head spouts, and the elaborate Roman fountain of Peirene were located.

Milton wrote that Athens was "the eye of Greece, mother of arts and eloquence." Your visit today will begin with the most famous temple of the Ancient City -- the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. Walking up a winding path towards the Acropolis, you will pass through the Propylaea, and see the Erechtheum temple and the Porch of the Caryatids in the distance. Reinforced by the hand of man, the natural fortress of the Acropolis stands 230 feet above the city. You cannot help but be in awe of the view below.

Begin your tour with a drive past marinas and resort towns en route to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, built in the 5th century BC. The temple's location, 180 feet above the sea, affords a magnificent view of the blue Aegean and distant islands. Even today, many cruise ships passing Sounion still pay their respects to Poseidon by lowering the ensign, blasting the ship's whistle, and pouring a libation over the side of the ship. On your way to Athens, you will stop at a leading Greek taverna for lunch. Then, continue to the natural fortress of the Acropolis, which rises from the city. Its symbolic ruins have survived for 25 centuries and have remained a part of the Greek culture for the entire world to appreciate. Pass Hadrian's Arch, indicating the border between the Greek and the Roman cities in ancient times. You will pass the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took 700 years to complete, Constitution Square, the Presidential Palace and the all-marble Olympic stadium built in 1896.

Visit the Acropolis of Athens, a symbol of the glory of ancient Greece. History opens before you as you reach the Propylaea, one of the masterpieces of classical architecture, serving as the entrance to the complex of buildings. You'll see the Temple of Athena Nike (Wingless Victory) and the Erechtheum, with its classical Porch of the Caryatids. Stand in awe of what is considered the most perfect example of classical architecture in the world -- the Parthenon -- designed as a shrine to Athena and at one time housing a massive gold and ivory statue of the warrior goddess.

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11 Night Mediterranean - Western Cruise